Missing girl found dead

An 11-year-old Tafelsig girl, Stacha Arends, was found dead in a bushy area on Swartklip field – a day after she went missing on Monday March 27.

According to police, Stacha went missing at 3pm on Monday and was reported missing at 7.35pm at Mitchell’s Plain police station. Her body was found at 2.10am yesterday, less than 12 hours after she went missing.

Captain Ian Williams, spokesperson for Mitchell’s Plain police station, said had the safety structures in the community searched houses, streets, schools and fields.

“No arrests have been made and a case of murder has been opened for investigation. The circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation. We appeal to the community, anyone, with more information that can assist with the investigation to come forward,” he said.

Mitchell’s Plain Community Police Forum chairperson Abie Isaacs urged residents to help if they have any information. “The CPF would like to extend their condolences to Stacha’s family. Then, to the members of the neighbourhood watch and CPF with the police who dedicated their time searching for the girl, thank you,” he said.

Mr Isaacs said the team searched the area twice before the body was found. “One of the concerning things was while the search was on, there were gunshots in the background which distracted the members,” he said.

Mr Isaacs said parents must always have a recent picture, know what their children are wearing and their recent whereabouts in the event they go missing. “In this case the parents had a picture and could give a description of the clothes. We are very sad that this had happened, and condemn these acts against women and children,” he said.

Mr Isaacs said it is worrying that children are being kidnapped in the Mitchell’s Plain area. He added that they have had a relatively good success rate returning missing children to their families.

You can contact Constable Ashley Donough on 082 777 8016 or Crime Stop on 08600 10 111 if you can help in the investigation.